Assistant Pastry Chef

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting the Pastry Chef with all operations, as well as the quality assurance of finished products, supervision in production of baked goods, desserts, and confections, ensuring all specifications and standards are met. This role is critical to maintaining the luxury standard and reputation of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa while upholding the highest levels of discretion and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide support to the Pastry Chef
• Motivates, supervises, and counsels pastry shop employees
• Fills out requisition forms daily making sure proper par stock of all food items are maintained
• Attends BEO meetings
• Makes sure pastry shop is clean and up to health codes
• Makes recommendations and suggestions regarding hiring, terminating, and counseling of staff to the Pastry Chef.
• Assumes full responsibility of pastry department when pastry chef is not on premise
• Ensures proper and consistent production of all food products at all times
• Provides quality products that are timely, fresh and meets quantity needs
• Accommodates any special requests by other departments
• Coordinates production of all baked goods and dessert items ordered by outlets.
• Be actively involved in developing new dessert itemsOther duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Five years experience in food/pastry,  high level of creativity combined with ability to handle production, knowledge of French pastries, Viennese, and American pastries, cake decorating and show pieces.    
• Knowledge of kitchen sanitation procedures
• Knowledge of French, Viennese and American pastries, cake decorating, and show pieces
• Knowledge of the safe use of commercial kitchen equipment
• Computer Knowledge i.e. windows, excel, etc.
• The ability to make decisions and resolve issues
• Great communication skills, both written and verbally
• Must be organized, flexible and work well under pressure
• Responsible, reliable, punctual, self motivator and energetic.
• Ability to follow instructions from Pastry Chef
• Team leader, promotes good work ethics and a fun environment
• Must be available to work varied shifts, based on the needs of the business, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Licenses and/or certifications

• Must have a Food Handlers Certification.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to meet the following minimum physical requirements for at least an eight-hour shift:

• Physical Stamina: Frequent standing, walking, climbing of ladders and stairs, kneeling, reaching overhead, lifting and carrying various objects weighing up to 30 lbs. Employees in this position will be required to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, where there is typically a moderate to loud noise level, work is performed in extreme temperatures, and floors surfaces may be slick.
• Hearing / Speech: Must be able to effectively engage in one-on-one communication with guests, members, and customers and use a 2-way radio to communicate clearly and accurately with co-workers.
• Vision: Must be able to accurately read instructions, reports, and log sheets. Must be able to work with computers and PDAs in varying light conditions.
• Literacy: Must be able to analyze and process written information from a variety of sources and effectively communicate content of reports.
• Chemicals/Agents: Must be able to work safely with chemicals according to SDS sheets and all applicable laws, codes and regulatory requirements.